Strict vegetarians/vegans are at the risk of developing a deficiency of?

DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is naturally found almost exclusively in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Plants do not produce or store Vitamin B12, making it unavailable in a natural, unfortified vegan diet.
Therefore, individuals who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet are at a high risk of developing a Vitamin B12 deficiency unless they consume fortified foods or take supplements.
Deficiency can lead to serious and sometimes irreversible conditions, including megaloblastic anemia and neurological damage.

Option A: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is widely available in many plant-based foods.
Option B: Vitamin B3 (niacin) is found in numerous plant sources and can also be synthesized by the body from the amino acid tryptophan.
Option D: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is abundant in many plant-based foods, particularly whole grains.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional deficiencies associated with specific diets as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should routinely assess the dietary patterns of patients, especially those identifying as vegan or vegetarian, to identify risks for nutritional deficiencies.
Patient education is crucial. Nurses should advise vegan patients on the importance of consuming Vitamin B12-fortified foods or taking a reliable supplement to prevent deficiency.
What if? If a vegan patient presents with symptoms of anemia (fatigue, pallor) and neurological complaints (numbness, tingling), the nurse should anticipate that the healthcare provider will order a complete blood count (CBC) and serum Vitamin B12 levels to rule out deficiency.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Strict vegetarians/vegans' and 'deficiency'. This directs you to consider nutrients that are primarily sourced from animals.
Next, review the options provided, which are all B vitamins.
Recall or deduce the main dietary sources for each vitamin. Think about which foods are eliminated in a strict vegan diet (all meat, dairy, eggs, fish).
Analyze Vitamin B1, B3, and B6. These are commonly found in plant sources like grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, which are staples of a vegan diet.
Analyze Vitamin B12. Recall that its primary natural sources are animal products. Plant-based foods do not naturally contain B12.
Conclude that the absence of animal products in a vegan diet puts individuals at a specific risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QFcC3U3u5Xl50BPjQXXNg4

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 188-190

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 119-121